The vast majority of the foot and calf massagers use airbags to create the massaging effect. Each manufacturer has its own proprietary setup of the airbags to provide their own unique feel, but the basic gist of every massager for foot and calf is that the airbags compress the calves and feet in one form or another. Some compression happens all at once, while others inflate in a sequence mode so that it feels like the airbags are "rolling" up and down the legs.

Let's rundown the leading brands in the marketplace along with what their unique selling propositions are (or in other words, what makes them stand out from the crowd). Among the industry leaders in robotic systems and home appliances, Panasonic has been dominating the massage therapy chair market as well with products aiming to replicate the sensation of human touch.